Recording setup options

[Dolemite]

I'm trying to piece together a basic multitrack setup with my computer and I need some advice. I'm on a limited budget (aren't we all) and need to minimize costs while maximizing quality. I'm going to be recording vocals, synths, acoustic guitar, and electric guitar but since this is a solo project in its purest form (I'm only recording myself) I don't anticipate needing to record any more than 2-4 tracks at once. Based on my low budget I've come up with 2 possible setups (but I'm always open to suggestions):

1. mic/instrument => cheap mixer => effects processor => current sound card (Guillemot Fortissimo yamaha ymf744 based)

2. mic/instrument => cheap mic pre => pro sound card (like a delta44 or a Midiman 2044)

Any idea which of these setups (or a completely different one) would sound best? I've already figured out that the first setup may be less than ideal since most if not all mixers output balanced +4 db while my sound card has unbalanced -10 db inputs. Is this a major problem or am I misinformed? Also, I have a couple questions about pc recording:

1. Can either consumer level or pro (low latency) sound cards like the Delta44 process effects in real time so that, for example, I can monitor vocals in my headphones with reverb? If so, what hardware/software is needed to do this? I know for sure that the Aarvark Direct Pro package can do this but I'm not sure what other card are capable of this.

2. Will it make a bigger difference to invest more $$$ in a quality mixer/preamp or a better sound card?

Any advice is appreciated.

 

[camn]

this ones easy.

mic-->nice preamp with SPIDIF outs-->SB LIVE(cheap)withSPIDIF ins.

until you have the loot, you can substitute Mediocre pre for Nice...

xoxo

oh... and trade in your outboard gear unless its super nice or something. Use software effects. Going out to analog and back to digital is probly the worst thing you could do, with the exception of not recording at all.

 

[Dolemite]

Thanks for the suggestion, camn, but I'm afraid the cheapest digital preamp I've found (DBX 386, $400) plus an SB Live would be a bit over budget for me. BTW, just for the record I don't actually have any outboard gear, these setups are mostly hypothetical.

Anybody have any thoughts on a cheap mic preamp vs. a cheap mixer? For example, a new ART Tube MP for $85 vs. a used Samson MPL 1502 for $130? I know the only budget mixer preamps that anyone seems to recommend are Mackie and most people seem to despise Behringer but I hadn't heard anything about Samson.

 

[Gidge]

Youll get alot better sound out of the Art...the Mackie VLZ pro is one of the better preamps for your money going the mixer route, if you can spring for it....